Chris Christie's helicopter did not fly over GWB last September, State Police says

TRENTON — The New Jersey State Police today said Gov. Chris Christie's helicopter did not fly over the George Washington Bridge or Fort Lee during the controversial lane closures last September.

Christie's flight history came into question Monday when the state legislative committee investigating the bridge scandal issued 18 new subpoenas — including one to the State Police aviation unit, which oversees the governor's helicopter travel.

A source close to the investigation told The Star-Ledger on Monday that the panel was looking into whether Christie's helicopter flew over the area on Sept. 11 — the third day of the controversial lane closures at the bridge. The governor has repeatedly said he did not know about the closings until after they were over and reported in the media.

The State Police released a statement this afternoon saying Christie's helicopter took three flights during the week of Sept. 8, when the closings took place.

"None of the three flights transporting the governor during that week flew over, or close, to either the George Washington Bridge or Fort Lee, including the flight on 9/11," the statement read.

Democrats have alleged that members of Christie's office organized the unannounced lane closures at the bridge last year in a case of political payback — a move that caused days of traffic jams in Fort Lee. But the Republican governor has denied any personal involvement.

Christie appeared on Sept. 11 at a ceremony at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan commemorating the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. His office confirmed Monday that the governor used a State Police helicopter to fly back to Trenton.

Colin Reed, a spokesman for the governor, declined comment Monday when asked if the aircraft flew over the bridge — located about 10 miles north of Ground Zero.

Reed declined further comment today in the wake of the State Police's statement.